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THE 



gonng Christian's 



Manual of Devotion. 



BY 



EEV. E. GBEENWALD, D.D., 

PASTOR OP THE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH OP THE 
HOLY TRINITY, LANCASTER, PA. 




PHILADELPHIA: ^ 
THE LUTHERAN BOOK STORE. 
1873. 






Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1873, 

By E. GREENWALD, D.D., 

In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington, D. C. 



The Library 

of Congress 



W&SHIfiKHHMt 



SHERMAN & CO., PRINTERS, 
PHILADELPHIA. 



PRESENTATION. 



«%.... 



WITH FERVENT PRAYERS THAT THE 
DAILY USE OF THIS 



mml 



MAY, BY THE BLESSING OF OUR DEAR 
LORD JESUS CHRIST, 

AID IN THE CULTIVATION OF SOUND 
PRACTICAL PIETY. 



Si 



rom 



PKEFACE. 



During his long ministry, the author has 
constantly felt the want of a little Manual of 
Devotion to put into the hands of his catechu- 
mens at the time of their confirmation, and of 
his young members when bidding them farewell, 
on the occasion of their removal to another place. 

The same want has been felt and expressed by 
other pastors. Many inquiries, too, have been 
made at the Lutheran Book Store, for such a 
Manual, by persons who desired to put it into 
the hands of a young friend who was going away 
from home. What is needed seems to be a little 
book with a large variety of subjects of devotion, 
containing a passage of Scripture, a brief medi- 
tation upon the leading thought, and a short 

(5) 



b PREFACE. 

collect or prayer, for daily use before leaving the 
chamber in the morning, and before retiring in 
the evening. 

The author herewith presents this small vol- 
ume, with the hope that it will meet this want, 
and with the prayer that its use by the young 
persons for whom it is intended, may be accom- 
panied with the blessing of our dear Lord and 
Saviour Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever. 

E.G. 

Lancaster, Pa., 

March 31, 1873. 



SUBJECTS. 



1. Luther's Morning Prayer. 

2. Morning. 

3. Morning. 

4. Morning. 

5. Morning. 

6. Morning. 

7. Daily Devotion. 

8. Walking with God. 

9. The Fear of the Lord. 

10. God sees Me. 

11. Steadfastness in the Faith. 

12. Knowledge of the Truth. 

13. Strong Believing. 

14. Perseverance in Grace. 

15. Fidelity. 

16. Keligious Declension. 

17. Growth in Grace. 

18. Love for the Church. 

19. Attending Church. 

20. Church of my Parents. 

21. Neglect of the Church. 



(7) 



8 SUBJECTS. 

22. Private Devotion. 

23. Personal Piety. 

24. Keeping the Heart. 

25. Temptation. 

26. Kesisting EviL 

27. Watching. 

28. Dangerous Places. 

29. Evil Company. 

30. Business. 

31. Industry. 

32. Honesty. 

33. Contracting Debts. 

34. Extravagance. 

35. Covetousness. 

36. Doing Good. 

37. Humility. 

38. Peace. 

39. Quarrelsomeness. 

40. Purity. 

41. Levity. 

42. Cheerfulness. 

43. Amusements. 

44. Gambling. 

45. Drunkenness. 

46. Example for Others. 

47. My Faults. 

48. Home. 

49. Parents. 

50. Visiting the Sick. 

51. Bearing the Cross. 



SUBJECTS. 9 

52. The Lord's Supper. 

53. Fitness for the Communion. 

54. The Lowest Eoom. 

55. Confession of Sins. 

56. Self-examination. 

57. In Kemembrance. 

58. The Preparation. 

59. Frequent Communing. 

60. After having Communed. 

61. Love for Jesus. 

62. Spirit of Christ. 

63. Faith in Christ. 

64. Trust in God. 

65. Glorying in the Cross. 

66. Not Ashamed of the Gospel. 

67. Holiness. 

68. Pressing Forward. 

69. Paying my Vows. 

70. Time. 

71. Nearness to Death. 

72. Warnings. 

73. Future Life. 

74. The Resurrection. 

75. The Judgment. 

76. The Blessedness of the Dead. 

77. Evening. 

78. Evening. 

79. Evening. 

80. Evening. 

81. Evening. 



10 SUBJECTS. 

82. Evening. 

83. Evening. 

84. Luther's Evening Prayer. 

85. Evening Sentence. 

86. Prayer for Peace. 

87. Intercession for the Dying. 



I.— LUTHER'S MORNING PRAYER. 

When you rise in the morning, say : 

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, 
and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. 

Then say : 

I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker 
of heaven and earth. 

And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord ; 
Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost ; Born of 
the Virgin Mary ; Suffered under Pontius Pilate ; 
Was crucified, dead, and buried ; He descended 
into hell ; The third day He rose again from the 
dead ; He ascended into heaven, and sitteth on 
the right hand of God the Father Almighty ; 
From thence He shall come to judge the quick 
and the dead. 

I believe in the Holy Ghost ; The Holy Chris- 
tian Church ; The communion of saints ; The for- 
giveness of sins ; The resurrection of the body ; 
And the life everlasting. Amen. 

(11) 



12 THE YOUNG CHRISTIAN'S 

Then say : 

Our Father who art in heaven ; Hallowed be 
Thy name ; Thy kingdom come ; Thy will be 
done on earth, as it is in heaven ; Give us this day 
our daily bread ; And forgive us our trespasses 
as we forgive those who trespass against us ; And 
lead us not into temptation ; But deliver us from 
evil ; For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, 
and the glory, forever and ever. Amen. 

Then say this: 

Jkager. 

I give thanks unto Thee, my Heavenly Father, 
through Jesus Christ Thy dear Son, that Thou 
hast protected me through the night from all 
danger and harm ; and I beseech Thee to preserve 
and keep me this day also, from all sin and evil ; 
that in all my thoughts, words, and deeds, I may 
serve and please Thee. Into Thy hands I com- 
mend my body and soul, and all that is mine. 
Let Thy holy angel have charge concerning me, 
that the wicked one may have no power over me. 
Amen. 



MANUAL OF DEVOTION. 13 



II.— MOKNING, 

I laid me down and slept ; I awaked, for the 
Lord sustained me.— Psaxm 3 : 5. 



itteiritation. 

I put myself into God's hand, when I laid 
down, and I felt secure. I am as safe under His 
care in the night as in the day. I slept in peace. 
l$o evil befell me. I awoke refreshed from my 
slumbers. I am alive now through my heavenly 
Father's gracious protection. 



|Jrager. 

O God, whose ever wakeful eye sees, and 
watches over Thy children by night and by day, 
I thank Thee that I was permitted to lie down 
and sleep in peace and quietness, and to rise again 
strengthened and refreshed in the morning ; and 
I pray Thee, grant me the same care and protec- 
tion during this day, that my body and soul, and 
all that I am and have, may be safe in Thy 
hands, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 



14 THE YOUNG CHRISTIAN'S 



III.— MOKNING. 

My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O 
Lord, in the morning will I direct my prayer 
unto thee, and will look up. — Psalm 5 : 3. 

Mebitation. 

God claims my first thoughts as I awake in 
the morning. Neither my business, nor my pleas- 
ures, shall rob Him of them. I would give to 
God my last evening thoughts ere I go to sleep, 
and I would devote to Him my first morning 
meditations as I awake to consciousness again. 
I am not my own, but the Lord's. 

O God, whose mercies are renewed unto us, as 
each morning renews the light, accept my sincere 
.thanks, I pray Thee, for this return of a new 
morning, and grant me grace, that, with the 
coming of a new day, I may be enabled to enter 
upon a new and holy life, to the glory of Thy 
name, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 



MANUAL OF DEVOTION. 15 



IV.— MOKNING. 

But unto thee have I cried, O Lord, and in 
the morning shall my prayer prevent thee. — 
Psalm 88 : 13. 

ittetttatiou. 

Wearisome nights are sometimes appointed to 
the children of men. Sleep flies from the eye- 
lids. The pillow is wetted with tears. The 
night is long, and the morning seems slow in 
coming. The body turns from side to side, and 
finds no rest. In pain we laid down, and we re- 
tain the pain when we rise up. But in darkness 
and in light, in joy and in sorrow, we are in God's 
gracious keeping. 

O God, who dost send sickness, and grant 
health, I pray Thee give me a patient heart to 
bear whatever crosses Thou dost see fit to lay 
upon me ; help me to find the healing balm which 
Thy grace pours into the wounds of the sorrow- 
ing breast ; sanctify to me all the pains I feel, and 
all the groans I utter, so that the distresses of 
this mortal life may serve to fit me for the glories 
of my immortal state, through Jesus Christ, our 
Lord and Saviour. Amen. 



16 THE YOUNG CHRISTIAN'S 



V.— MOKNING. 

Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the 
morning ; for in thee do I trust ; cause me to 
know the way wherein I should walk ; for I lift 
up my soul unto thee.— Psalm 143 : 8. 

fflcbitation. 

With each day I begin a new life. I know not 
in the morning what is before me during the day. 
But I do know that temptation and danger are 
ever in my pathway. I need God's almighty arm 
to hold me up, and His heavenly wisdom to direct 
me aright. He has led me hitherto, and He will 
still continue to lead me. I will daily invoke 
His guidance and grace. 

$raner* 

O Thou who dost give wisdom to those who 
lack, grant me grace always to know and discern 
the right way, so that I may walk safely amid 
the perils of this mortal life, be preserved from 
falling away from Thy holy faith and worship, 
and be kept from wandering in the way of error 
and sin, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. 



MANUAL OF DEVOTION. 17 



VI.— MOKNING. 
QLtjct. 

And he shall be as the light of the morning 
when the sun riseth, even a morning without a 
cloud ; as the tender grass springing out of the 
earth by the clear shining after rain. — 2 Sam. 
23 : 4. 

itlcMtatiou. 

How joyful and glad may the heart be, as in 
health, and with a good conscience, we spring from 
our couch to greet the morning sun at its rising ! 
God's gracious hand is in the bright light of the 
day, in the gentle breezes that fan our cheeks, 
and in the beautiful fields and flowers that invite 
us to go forth to our business or our pleasures 
among them. Let my soul, like the brightness 
of the morning, be joyful in the Lord. 

pager- 

O good and gracious heavenly Father, who 
makest the outgoings of the morning and even- 
ing to rejoice, I thank Thee for the light and 
comfort of this new morning, and for the spirit 
of real happiness which its coming has awakened 
in my heart, and I pray Thee preserve within 
my soul continually, the light of Thy counte- 
nance, so that I may always serve Thee with 
joy and gladness, through Jesus Christ. Amen. 

2 



18 THE YOUNG CHRISTIAN'S 



VII.— DAILY DEVOTION. 

QLcjct. 

Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I 
pray and cry aloud, and he shall hear my voice. 
—Psalm 55 : 17. 

iHeiritatiou. 

As my body needs daily supplies of food to 
nourish, and keep it in healthy activity, so my 
soul also needs to have its strength renewed by 
the constant help which G-od's grace affords. He 
has kindly, and in great abundance; provided 
for both these needs. I may, with childlike con- 
fidence, open to Him both my heart and my 
mouth, and He will fill them. 

JJraner. 

O God, who art constantly with me, and who 
dost daily beset my path, grant me grace that I 
may be enabled at all times, to maintain a tender 
sense of Thy gracious presence with me, and 
ever have most precious communion and fellow- 
ship with Thy Holy Spirit, through Jesus Christ 
our Lord. Amen. 



MANUAL OF DEVOTION. 19 



VIII.— WALKING WITH GOD. 

And Enoch walked with God, and he was 
not ; for God took him.— Gen. 5 : 24. 

fflzbilaiion. 

A devout Christian's whole life is a walk with 
God. The grace of God animates him. The 
faith of Christ sustains him. The Word of God 
guides him. The spirit of Jesus is in him. The 
presence of the Holy Ghost cheers him. God is 
with him. The two walk together because they 
are agreed. He makes progress in the way of 
holiness. And his walk of faith on the earth, 
will terminate in the eternal presence and glory 
of the Lord in heaven. God, too, will take him. 

Ipraner. 

O Thou, who art the way, the truth, and the 
life, grant me grace that I may ever walk in the 
true and living way, with Thee, from whom all 
wisdom, and strength, and comfort do come, so 
that, being Thy faithful follower, and glorifying 
Thee on the earth, I may finally inherit ever- 
lasting joy and felicity in heaven, through Thee, 
who with the Father, and the Holy Ghost, one 
God, livest forever and ever. Amen. 



20 THE YOUNG CHRISTIAN'S 



IX.— THE FEAR OF THE LORD. 

But be thou in the fear of the Lord all the 
day long.— Proy. 23 : 17. 

fttetotaticm. 

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wis- 
dom, and the maturity of wisdom is still the fear 
of the Lord. A true Christian seeks to preserve 
his mind and heart, at all times, in the love and 
fear of God. He strives to be in the fear of the 
Lord always. He begins, and lives, and ends, 
each day with God. And as is one day, so he 
desires all his days to be. 



O God of all grace, grant me the constant aid 
of Thy Holy Spirit, that I may always have 
Thy fear before my eyes, and be enabled to cher- 
ish the true feeling of devotion in my heart, that 
so my soul may be ever kept in readiness to serve 
Thee in this life, or to glorify Thee in the life to 
come, as Thou mayst choose my place for me, 
through Jesus Christ, my Saviour. Amen. 



MANUAL OF DEVOTION. 21 



X.— GOD SEES ME. 

And she called the name of the Lord, that 
spake unto her, Thou God seest me : for she 
said, Have I also here looked after him that 
seeth me ?— Gen. 16 : 13. 

iHebitatiou. 

The all-seeing eye of God is on us wherever 
we are, in public and private, at home and 
abroad. He sees us in the light and in the dark- 
ness, for the day and the night are alike to Him. 
It is well for the Christian to bear in mind, 
wherever he goes, and in all places where he 
stays, that the eye of God is upon him to dis- 
cern his inmost heart, and to notice all the secret 
acts of his life. Its restraining influence upon 
his thoughts and feelings, his words and deeds, 
will be greatly useful to him. 

JJratjer. 

O Thou all-seeing God, who triest my reins, 
and discernest the secret intents of my soul, 
grant me Thy grace, that I may ever bear in 
mind that Thine eye is upon me, and that Thou 
knowest me altogether ; and may the thoughts 
that I think be pure, and all the secret things 
that I do be right, in Thy sight, who wilt bring 
every hidden thing into judgment, by Him, 
whom Thou hast appointed judge of the living 
and the dead, Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. 
Amen. 



22 THE YOUNG CHRISTIAN'S 



XI.— STEADFASTNESS IN THE FAITH. 

Hold fast the form of sound words, which 
thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which 
is in Christ Jesus. — 2 Tim. 1 : 13. 

Jttetotaiiou. 

True doctrines are essential to true Chris- 
tianity. Sound principles are necessary to cor- 
rect practice. All Christians must be sound in 
the faith. A sad wreck is the man who has 
made shipwreck of the faith. We dare not re- 
nounce the true faith. We must cherish it well 
and hold it fast. Our salvation depends upon its 
being steadfastly held. 

JJrager. 

O Lord God of truth, who hast revealed to 
man the true and saving Gospel of Thy Son, I 
pray Thee, grant me grace to hold the faith, and 
a good conscience ; and by the same grace, defend 
me from the assaults of error, and of philosophy, 
falsely so-called, so that being ever steadfast in 
the pure doctrines which I have been taught, I 
may be safely kept amid all the trials of this life, 
and in death, have a good hope of everlasting 
salvation with Thee, who livest forever and ever. 
Amen. 



MANUAL OF DEVOTION. 23 



XII.— KNOWLEDGE OF THE TRUTH. 

And ye shall know the truth, and the truth 
shall make you free. — John 8 : 32. 

iftcMtation. 

Christians must grow in knowledge, as well as 
in grace. They are directed to add to faith virtue, 
and to virtue knowledge. We should seek to be 
intelligent Christians. God has put into our 
hands the means of improvement in scriptural 
knowledge, and it is our duty faithfully to make 
use of them. We must have a reason for our 
hope, and be able to render a reason. 

flrager. 

O God, who art the fountain of all wisdom 
and knowledge, vouchsafe to enkindle, and pre- 
serve brightly within my heart, the light of the 
true knowledge of Thee, and of Thy Word, that 
thereby I may savingly know Thee, and Jesus 
Christ whom Thou hast sent, and have a good 
understanding of the right way in which Thou 
wilt be acceptably worshipped, and that leads to 
everlasting life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
Amen. 



24 THE YOUNG CHRISTIAN'S 



XIII.— STKONG BELIEVING. 

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, 
unmovable, always abounding in the work of the 
Lord.— 1 Cor. 15:58. 

ffltbitation. 

A true Christian is one who stands fast. He 
is not blown about by every wind of doctrine. 
He is not easily shaken from his steadfastness. 
The doctrines of Christianity are fully believed, 
and are strongly held by him. As a man of strong- 
faith, he does not renounce his Christian princi- 
ples. He is a firm and positive believer. Stand 
fast in the Lord. Let no man take thy crown. 

O Lord, who knowest the weakness of my faith, 
and the strong temptations that beset me, I pra} r 
Thee grant me Thy grace, that my faith may 
become strong, and I may grow in steadfast 
adherence to Thy truth, so that I may not be 
shaken in my trust, nor on any account decline 
from the hearty belief of the doctrines of Thy 
word, but remain Thy faithful follower to the 
end, and reap the full rewards of faith in the glo- 
ries of Thy everlasting kingdom. Amen. 



MANUAL OF DEVOTION. 25 



XIV.— PERSEVERANCE IN GRACE. 

He that endureth to the end shall be saved. — 
Matthew 10 : 22. 

iHeiritation. 

He that has begun a good work in us will per- 
form it to the end. To His grace we are indebted 
for the beginning, and to the same grace we will 
owe the completion of our sanctification. "We 
need His help every hour, to keep us safe. With- 
out it we will perish. Let us lean on the Divine 
arm. Let us be strong in His strength. Never 
let go the hand that alone can hold us up. 

Prancr. 

O God of all grace and mercy, who art the 
author of the life of grace within me, I thank 
Thee, that, in my regeneration, Thou didst im- 
part Thy divine life to my soul, and I pray Thee, 
grant me the constant aid of Thy Holy Spirit, 
that that which thou hast begun, may also be 
finished, to the praise of the glory of Thy grace, 
in Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. 



26 THE YOUNG CHRISTIAN'S 



XV.— FIDELITY. 

Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give 
thee a crown of life.— Rev. 2 : 10 

fttebitaiion. 

The service of God begun, requires to be faith- 
fully continued. It is not sufficient that we make 
a good beginning ; we must also make a good 
ending. Many begin well, but they end badly. 
They run well for a while, but they soon suffer 
themselves to be hindered. We must keep our 
holy engagements. We have vowed, and we must 
faithfully perform our vows. We have set our 
faces toward heaven, let us never turn back. 

JjJrcmer. 

O God, from whom cometh all spiritual grace, 
grant me the continual help of Thy Holy Spirit, 
that I may never become unfaithful to my solemn 
vows, or return again to the ways of sin which 
I have forsaken, but that I may always walk in 
the way of Thy commandments, and persevere 
in all holy fidelity to the end, for Jesus Christ's 
sake. Amen. 



MANUAL OF DEVOTION. 27 



XVI.— RELIGIOUS DECLENSION. 
Qbft. 

And because iniquity shall abound, the love 
of many shall wax cold. — Matt. 24 : 12. 

ItlcMtatiDU. 

The flame of devotion should ever burn brightly 
in the Christian's breast. The Lord whom he 
loves, deserves to be loved with the whole heart. 
He loved us with an everlasting love. Let His 
wonderful love for us not only kindle, but keep 
brightly glowing in our hearts, the most fervent 
love for Him. It is sad that any soul that once 
loved Him, should cease to love Him. Let me 
always love Him, who loved me even unto death. 

fjrcrger. 

O Lord, who hast, by the Holy Ghost given 
unto me, shed abroad Thy love in my heart, grant 
me grace, that I may never cease to love Him 
who first loved me, and out of great love for me, 
suffered the shameful death of the cross, to redeem 
me, but may Thy heavenly love ever dwell in my 
soul, and become continually greater and stronger, 
until I shall perfectly love Thee, with the holy 
angels, in the kingdom of heaven, through Jesus 
Christ, our Saviour. Amen. 



28 THE YOUNG CHRISTIAN'S 



XVII.— GROWTH IN GRACE. 

But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of 
our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.— 2 Peter, 
3:18. 

iileMtation. 

Conversion is not a change completed, but a 
change begun. Its completion includes the whole 
work of sanctification. Regeneration places the 
Christian in the situation of a babe in Christ. 
That babe must grow to manhood. It is capable 
of growth. The beginnings of grace are small 
and feeble, but they must not remain so. Per- 
sonal religion is a constant growth. The Chris- 
tian will advance in faith and piety. Christian 
character will mature as life progresses. Fitness 
for heaven is gradually acquired as the hour of 
death approaches. 

Jpragcr. 

O Lord Jesus Christ, who art the author and 
the finisher of my faith, grant me Thy Holy 
Spirit, that Thy work of grace begun in my soul, 
may be, by the same grace, continued so that my 
faith may be strengthened, my hopes may be 
confirmed, my love may be increased, and my 
Christian character may be matured, and that, 
growing in all holy conformity to Thy will, I 
may be finally prepared for Thy heavenly" king- 
dom, through Thee, who, with the Father and 
the Holy Ghost, art one God, forever and ever. 
Amen. 



MANUAL OF DEVOTION. 29 



XVIII.— LOVE FOR THE CHURCH. 

How amiable are thy tabernacles, O Lord of 
hosts. My soul longeth, yea even fainteth for 
the courts of the Lord ; my heart and my flesh 
crieth out for the living God.— Psalm 84 : 1, 2. 

ffltbitation. 

The Church is dear to all truly Christian 
hearts. It is the house of God, and the gate of 
heaven. Jesus loved it, and gave Himself for it. 
All who are Christ's love it, because they love 
Him whose Church it is. In it we were brought 
to the knowledge of the way of salvation ; into 
it, as into Christ's body, we were incorporated 
by holy baptism ; at its holy communion, we 
have been fed and nourished with Christ's own 
body and blood, and through the Church on 
earth, we hope to enter the church in heaven. 
With true and hearty affection, therefore, do 
Christians love the Church. 

Prager. 

O Jesus Christ, the adorable Head of Thy 
Church and Shepherd of Thy sheep, I pray 
Thee, awaken and preserve in my breast, a fer- 
vent love to Thee, and to Thy Church, so that 
the ways of Zion, being ever dear to my soul, I 
may take pleasure in her courts, delight to wor- 
ship at her altar, and reap the rich blessings of 
her sacred means of grace, and through them be 
made meet for the eternal inheritance and bliss 
of the Church triumphant in heaven, to the 
praise of Thy glorious grace. Amen. 



30 THE YOUNG CHRISTIANAS 



XIX.— ATTENDING CHUKCH. 

I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go 
into the house of the Lord : Our feet shall stand 
within thy gates, O Jerusalem. — Psalm 122 : 1, 2. 

itteiritation- 

The Christian does not willingly absent him- 
self from the public worship of God in His house. 
The services of the Church are very attractive to 
his heart. No light excuse will keep him away. 
He welcomes the dawning of the Lord's Day 
with sincere gladness. The church-going bell 
invites him to worship God in His holy sanc- 
tuary, and he mingles joyfully with the Christian 
congregation in the exercises of prayer and 
praise, and in the hearing of God's Word. 

Ipraner. 

O God, who hast graciously revealed Thy holy 
will to man, and dost invite us to worship Thee 
in Thy sacred courts, grant me grace, I pray 
Thee, always to love the ways of Zion ; to feel a 
fervent longing for the services of Thy house, 
and to derive great edification and comfort for 
my soul, from my attendance upon Thy blessed 
means of grace, through Jesus Christ, my Lord. 
Amen. 



MANUAL OF DEVOTION. 31 



XX.— CHURCH OF MY PARENTS. 

QLcxL 

My father's God, and I will exalt thee. — Ex- 
odus 15 : 2. 

Jitefcitation. 

My father and mother were pious members of 
the Church, I went with them to the house of 
the Lord. They early impressed upon my mind 
the duty of going to church. They set me the 
example, for they themselves did what they 
taught me to do. I will honor their memory by 
faithfully following the example of church love 
which they set me. Like them, I will be regu- 
larly found in my place in the sanctuary. 

O Lord God of my fathers, who didst, out of 
great love to my soul, bestow upon me parents 
of godly mind, grant me grajce, I beseech Thee, 
always to cherish the good examples of my pious 
forefathers, and to imitate their faith and habits 
of devotion, and like them to love and enjoy the 
holy ordinances of Thy house, through Jesus 
Christ my Lord. Amen. 



32 THE YOUNG CHRISTIAN'S 



XXI.— NEGLECT OF THE CHURCH. 

Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves to- 
gether, as the manner of some is. — Heb. 10 : 25. 

ittebitcuiou. 

It is sad to note the number of persons who 
habitually absent themselves from the churches. 
Many persons do not go to church at all, and 
others attend very irregularly. The churches 
ought to be thronged at every service. They 
would be always filled, if all persons felt as they 
should about the duty of church-going. I will 
not imitate their irreligious example, but be reg- 
ularly found in my seat in the house of God. 

JJrager. 
O my dear Lord and Saviour, I thank Thee 
that Thou didst, by Thy grace, awaken in my 
heart a warm love for Thy Church, and dost by 
the same grace, enable me to experience great 
delight in the worship of Thy house, and I pray 
Thee, preserve in me a devout mind, and hearty 
reverence for Thy courts, so that, with all Thy 
true worshippers, I may habitually partake of 
Thy sacred ordinances, to the praise of Thy 
grace, and to the honor of Thy holy name. 
Amen. 



MANUAL OF DEVOTION. 33 



XXII.— PRIVATE DEVOTION. 

But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy 
closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray 
to thy Father which is in secret ; and thy Father 
which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly. 
—Matt. 6 : 6. 

iftetotatiott. 

The true Christian relishes private prayer. 
He loves to be alone with God. He delights in 
the devotional exercises of the closet. He shuts 
out the world, and enjoys intimate communion 
with his heavenly Father. He finds great pleas- 
ure and profit in private confession of sins, and 
supplication for God's grace and blessing. De- 
clensions from God beorin in the disrelish of secret 
devotion. Let the closet ever be, for my heart, 
a cherished place 

O God, my heavenly Father, who knowest the 
secret motions of my heart, and hearest the 
prayers which I offer to Thee in the stillness of 
my own chamber. I pray Thee, enkindle in me 
daily, the spirit of prayer and supplication, that 
I may take great delight in communion with 
Thee, and find much peace and joy in the tokens 
of Thy love which Thou dost vouchsafe to me at 
the throne of Thy heavenly grace, through Jesus 
Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. 



34 THE YOUNG CHRISTIAN'S 



XXIII.— PERSONAL PIETY. 

Search me, O God, and know my heart ; try 
me, and know my thoughts ; and see if there be 
any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way 
everlasting.— Psalm 139 : 23, 24. 

Meditation. 

All young Christians must be diligent in culti- 
vating sound personal piety. Christianity has 
its forms and external worship, but the end of all 
that is outward, is to duly promote and foster 
that which is inward, of grace and holiness. 
Forms are to be the visible manifestation of the 
invisible substance. The name must truly repre- 
sent the thing. Faith must produce good works. 
Theory must always lead to practice. The char- 
acter and life must truly exhibit the fruits of 
faith. In the soul must grace have its seat. 

|3rcmer. 

O Thou God of grace and mercy, who answer- 
est the longings of every contrite soul, I pray 
Thee, grant me Thy Holy Spirit, that He may 
abide within my heart, subdue all the motions of 
my sinful nature, and strengthen all holy pur- 
poses, good desires, and devout affections within 
me, so that I may become more and more con- 
formed in heart and life to Thy divine will, be 
daily more likeminded with Christ, and be ready, 
when Thou callest me, for the holiness and bliss 
of Thy everlasting kingdom, through Jesus Christ 
our Lord. Amen. 



MANUAL OF DEVOTION. 35 



XXIV.— KEEPING THE HEART. 

Keep thy heart with all diligence, for out of it 
are the issues of life.— Proverbs 4 : 23. 

JfUtotatiott. 

The heart governs the life. The life is what 
the heart makes it. If the heart is right, the 
life will be right. If the heart is corrupt, the 
life will he evil. Man is governed by motives. 
The character of the action is largely consti- 
tuted by the motive that leads to it. Watch 
well the heart. See that its motives are pure. 
Cherish no impure thought or purpose there. 

O Thou who art of purer eyes than to behold 
evil, and canst not look on iniquity, grant me a 
pure heart and a right spirit, so that no sinful 
thing may dwell within me, nor any wickedness 
be found in my life, but that, having Thy grace 
abiding in my heart, and Thy fear being ever 
before my eyes, I may be preserved from all sin, 
and be enabled always to do those things which 
are well pleasing in Thy sight, through Jesus 
Christ, our Lord. Amen. 



36 THE YOUNG CHRISTIAN'S 



XXV.— TEMPTATION. 

Let no man say when he is tempted, I am 
tempted of God : for God cannot be tempted with 
evil, neither tempteth he any man. But every 
man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his 
own lust and enticed.— James 1 : 13, 14. 

JUebitatiou. 

Temptation is within us, and all around us. 
Temptation is in our hearts and homes, and as 
soon as we step out of our door, we find ourselves 
in the presence of incitements to evil. The devil, 
as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom 
he may devour, and, in our own hearts, he finds 
material which he can influence to evil purposes. 
u Watch and pray lest ye enter into temptation. " 
We are weaker than we seem. We daily need 
Divine help to enable us to stand upright. 

JJrager. 

O Lord Jesus Christ, who knowest the frailty 
of our nature, and the danger to which we are 
continually exposed from the temptations of the 
world, the flesh, and the devil, I pray Thee, grant 
me Thy grace, that I may be able to resist, in 
Thy strength, the temptations that beset my 
pathway, so that I may remain faithful in all 
holy feeling and doing, to the honor of Thy name. 
Amen. 



MANUAL OF DEVOTION. 37 



XXVI.— KESISTING EVIL. 

Eesist the devil, and he will flee from you. — 
James 4 : 7. 

Jttebitation. 

Temptation cannot hurt us if we do not yield 
to it. The best of persons have been sorely 
tempted. Even Jesus ' l suffered being tempted. ' ' 
But He overcame the tempter. In His strength, 
all His faithful followers will also overcome temp- 
tation. They must lift up a standard against 
the evil one. When incited to sin, they must 
not yield to sin. The crime lies not in being 
tempted, but in yielding to temptation. 

O Lord Jesus Christ, who was tempted in the 
days of Thy flesh, yet without sin, grant me 
grace to strengthen me against all the assaults 
of the enemy of my soul, so that although temp- 
tations to sin may assail me, I may be assisted 
effectually to resist them all, and hold fast my 
Christian integrity to the end, through Thee, 
who with the Father and the Holy Ghost ; one 
God, livest and reignest forever. Amen. 



38 THE YOUNG CHRISTIAN'S 



XXVII.— WATCHING. 

Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temp- 
tation ; the spirit, indeed, is willing, but the flesh 
is weak.— Matt. 26 : 41. 



Jlletotatiou. 

The dangers in the way of the Christian are 
sometimes concealed from his view. He is most 
in peril when he least suspects it. The snare is 
artfully hidden, so as to entrap him. He cannot 
safely be off his guard for a single hour. He is 
in constant peril. His safety depends on his 
vigilance. "What I say unto you, I say unto 
all, watch." 

Jprager 

O God, who hast promised that if any man 
lack wisdom, he shall ask of Thee, and Thou 
wilt give liberally, I pray Thee, grant me knowl- 
edge and discretion, so that I may discern what- 
ever dangers may be before me, and be enabled 
to choose the right way of escape from all temp- 
tation, through Jesus Christ, our Saviour. Amen. 



MANUAL OF DEVOTION. 39 



XXVIII.— DANGEROUS PLACES. 

8Cejrt, 

Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go 
not in the way of evil men. Avoid it, pass not 
by it, turn from it, and pass away. — Prov. 
4 : 14, 15. 

IHeMtation. 

Some persons deliberately put themselves in 
the way of temptation. Instead of resisting the 
tempter, they tempt the tempter to tempt them. 
There are certain places where we are sure to be 
tempted, and where the surroundings are such 
that we are most easily swept before the tide of 
sin. It is the part of sound discretion to avoid 
such places. We can surround ourselves with 
hallowing influences in places where temptation 
will not so strongly assail us. Avoid the pitfalls 
of sin, and put not thyself on the steep descents 
where the unwary will sink swiftly to ruin. 

O Lord God, who knowest us to be set in the 
midst of so many and great dangers, that with- 
out Thy help, we cannot stand upright, I pray 
Thee, grant me Thy gracious guidance, that 
when wicked men have laid in my way a snare 
for my soul, I may have wisdom to escape ; and 
choosing the path of Thy precepts, I may walk 
safely and pass without hurt, through all the 
perils of this mortal life, to Thy everlasting joy 
and felicity, through our Lord Jesus Christ. 
Amen. 



40 THE YOUNG CHRISTIAN'S 



XXIX.— EVIL COMPANY. 

to. 

A companion of fools shall be destroyed. — 
Prov. 13 : 20. 

Mebiiation. 

Young people desire companionship. We are 
made for society. When our associations are 
pure, they become the source of high enjoyment, 
as well as the means of Christian improvement. 
But evil company has led thousands of the young 
and promising to ruin A bad young man has 
corrupted the principles of many who have been 
thrown into his society, but who had not force of 
character enough to resist the evil influence which 
he exerted. Beware of the seductions of evil 
company. " If sinners entice thee, consent thou 
not." 

JJragcr. 

O God, my heavenly Father, who hast loved 
me, and brought me hitherto by a way which I 
knew not, grant me Thy Holy Spirit, that by 
His gracious leading, I may ever walk before 
Thee, and in the way of good men, to keep the 
paths of the righteous, that being a companion 
of all them that fear Thee, no evil companion- 
ships may be suffered to harm my soul, but being 
kept from all evil, I may securely reach the man- 
sions of the just in heaven, through Jesus Christ. 
Amen. 



MANUAL OF DEVOTION. 41 



XXX.— BUSINESS. 
' (fcejrt. 

Be not slothful in business ; fervent in spirit. 
— Komans 12 : 11. 

Meditation. 

A business man may prosecute his business 
diligently, and yet be a devout Christian. Busi- 
ness is not necessarily hostile to fervency of spirit. 
Of course, the business which we follow must 
be lawful, useful, and consistent with Christian 
faith and life. No true Christian will engage in 
any other. He will always pursue such a business 
only as that God's blessing can be invoked upon it. 
He conducts his business in the spirit of prayer. 
He does not permit it to wean his heart from 
his devotions. He does not so love the world, as 
to lose his love for Christ. 

O God, who art holy in all Thy ways, who re- 
quirest us to be holy as Thou art holy, and who 
wilt bring every work of man into judgment, 
grant me grace, that I may so follow my just and 
lawful worldly calling, that I may bring no sin 
upon my conscience, nor put an occasion of stum- 
bling in the way of my fellow-men, but that, being 
diligent in my business, I may at the same time 
keep my heart in the love and fear of Thee, and 
so pass through things temporal, that I finally 
lose not things eternal, for Jesus Christ's sake. 
Amen. 



42 THE YOUNG CHRISTIAN'S 



XXXI.— INDUSTRY. 

Rett. 

But rather let him labor, working with his 
hands the thing which is good, that he may have 
to give to him that needeth. — Eph. 4 : 28. 

Jttebiiation. 

Industry is honorable. The apostle command- 
ed it, and Jesus set the example of it. All per- 
sons ought to be usefully employed. Man's head 
and heart and hands are usually active, if not in 
that which is good, then in that which is evil. 
Indolence has no sanction either from God or 
good men. All nature is active. " God worketh 
hitherto." Idleness leads to sin. "Satan finds 
some mischief still for idle hands to do." Be 
well employed. u What thy hand findeth to do, 
do with thy might. ' ' Be not a cumberer of the 
ground. Do something. Do it well. 

JjJrager. 

O Jesus Christ, who didst come into the world, 
to work the works of Thy Father, grant me 
grace, that, like Thee, I may be diligent in work- 
ing that which is good, actively perform the la- 
bors of a useful life, pursue with patient industry, 
my calling in the world, that thereby I may have 
food to eat, and raiment to put on, be able to suc- 
cor, with my lawful earnings, the poor and needy 
around me, and aid in the extension of Thy cause 
and kingdom on the earth, to the glory of Thy 
holy name. Amen. 



MANUAL OF DEVOTION. 43 



XXXII.— HONESTY. 

Provide things honest in the sight of all men. 
— Kom. 12 : 17. 

ittebitatiou. 

A Christian is a man of strict integrity. He 
is an honest man. He acquires property neither 
by theft, nor fraud, but honestly. His fingers 
are not stained by illgotten gains. He is not 
willing to take or hold a penny that does not 
honestly belong to him. He does not take a 
bribe, nor sell his soul for money. He will have 
nothing to do with any transactions of doubtful 
integrity. He w T ill plant no sting in his con- 
science, nor fasten any blot upon his character. 
He lives and dies an honest man. 

JJrcrosr. 

O God, w T ho knowest the deceitfulness and cor- 
ruption of the human heart, grant me grace, that 
I may harbor no dishonest purpose in my soul, 
nor by any word or deed, swerve from the strictest 
integrity, but being pure in heart, and upright 
in all my transactions with men, I may gain pos- 
session of whatever portion of worldly goods 
Thou mayst bestow upon me, with a conscience 
void of offence before God, and before men, to 
the honor and glory of Thy name, through Jesus 
Christ my Lord. Amen. 



44 



XXXIII.— CONTRACTING DEBTS. 

Owe no man anything. — Rom. 13 : 8. 
invitation. 

A young Christian should carefully avoid the 
habit of contracting debts. Debts are often 
troublesome, and give occasion to sin. It is bet- 
ter to practice the most rigid economy and self- 
denial than to indulge in luxuries by going in 
debt for them. It is dishonorable to display rich 
clothing, and fine ornaments, that are not paid for. 
Adopt the maxim, if possible, to pay as you go. 
Contract no debts. If you have not the money 
in hand, wait, if possible, until you get it, before 
buying. Be afraid of going in debt. 

JJrager. 

O God, grant me grace, that I may always be 
of plain and humble mind, be content with such 
things as I have, indulge no pride, or vain desires, 
and crave rather the ornament of a meek and 
quiet spirit, than to shine before men in extrava- 
gant bodily adorning, or to practice any habits 
of expensive personal indulgence, by which my 
soul might be entangled in the snares of the devil, 
and my example cause injury to the souls of others, 
and bring reproach upon Thy holy name, through 
Jesus Christ, my Lord. Amen 



MANUAL OF DEVOTION. 45 



XXXIV.— EXTRAVAGANCE. 

And there wasted his substance with riotous 
living. —Luke 15 : 13. 

Mcbitation. 

We are accountable to God for the right use of 
property. It is lent to us by the divine Owner 
of all property, to be employed for the true ends 
for which He has bestowed it. These are the 
glory of God, and the true happiness of ourselves 
and others. Jesus directed that the fragments 
of food should be gathered up, so that nothing 
would be lost. It is sinful to waste. We dare 
not be extravagant. We have no right to spend 
with reckless prodigality, that which is really 
not ours, but God's. 

$rager* 

O God, from whose kind and liberal hand I 
have received all that I possess of earthly good, 
grant me grace that I may, as a true husband- 
man, duly value the goods which Thou hast in- 
trusted to me, use them with prudent care so 
that they may not be squandered nor wasted, 
and devoutly acknowledging Thy right to them 
all, I may employ them according to Thy will, 
for the promotion of Thy glory, the true comfort 
of my own condition, and the relief of the suffer- 
ing, for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen. 



46 THE YOUNG CHRISTIAN'S 



XXXV.— COVETOUSNESS. 

%&. 

Thou shalt not covet.— Exodus 20 : 17. 

JHeiritation. 

Covetousness is idolatry. A covetous man is 
an idolater. It is a sinful disposition. It wor- 
ships not God. but gold. It destroys all tender- 
ness of heart. It sears the conscience. It leads 
to injustice. It closes up the soul against sym- 
pathy for the suffering. It is cruel. It grinds 
the face of the poor widow and orphan. The 
public and private mischiefs that flow from it 
are dreadful. 

Praner. 

O God, who hast in Thy providence, placed 
me in possession of some of the things of this 
life, grant me grace so to use them that they may 
not wean my heart from Thee, nor lead me to 
prize the creature more than the Creator, and 
thereby to fall into temptation and a snare, and 
into many foolish and hurtful lusts which drown 
men in perdition, but that I may employ, as a 
faithful steward, the things of this life, that after 
death I may be received into the everlasting hab- 
itations of heaven, through Jesus Christ. Amen. 



MANUAL OF DEVOTION. 47 



XXXVI.— DOING GOOD. 

As we have opportunity, let us do good unto 
all men, especially to them who are of the house- 
hold of faith.— Gal atians 6 : 10. 

invitation. 

Jesus went about doing good. His example 
is the Christian's standard of duty. He must 
pattern after Christ. Wherever He went, He 
found ills to be cured, and He cured them. He 
was the friend of the poor. He pitied the dis- 
tressed. He had a warm heart and a liberal 
hand. He could not look coldly on a poor suf- 
ferer that begged for his help. He turned no 
sick or destitute pleader unblest away. Like 
Him, all true Christians love to do good in the 
world. They delight to feed the hungry, clothe 
the naked, and relieve the suffering. To do good 
is a luxury. 

JJrager. 

O Jesus Christ, who didst in the days of Thy 
sojourn among men, go about doing good, and 
didst graciously relieve all manner of distress, 
grant me Thy Holy Spirit, that I, too, may have 
a tender, feeling heart, that pities the sorrowing, 
and that takes delight in relieving the woes that 
others suffer, and aided and encouraged by Thy 
holy example, may I, by word and deed, and the 
employment of a due share of the earthly goods 
which I have received from Thee, be enabled to 
do good to the bodies and the souls of men, to 
the honor and glory of Thy name. Amen. 



48 THE YOUNG CHRISTIAN'S 



XXXVII.— HUMILITY. 

Be clothed with humility : for God resisteth 
the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. — 
1 Peter 5:5. 

JtUMtatiott. 

The promises of the Gospel are to the humble. 
Christ's first beatitude in the Sermon on the 
Mount, promises the kingdom of heaven, to a the 
poor inspirit." The humble publican was ac- 
cepted, with the promise, "He that humbleth 
himself shall be exalted." It had long before 
been said, u Before honoris humility." Jesus 
"humbled Himself," and he directed all to learn 
of Him, for He was " meek and lowly of heart." 
The whole spirit of the Gospel abases human 
pride. It first puts man in the dust, in order to 
raise him to heaven. 

O Lord Jesus Christ, who wast meek and 
lowly of heart, and didst willingly take the low- 
est place, that we, by Thy suffering and death, 
might be raised to the highest, grant me grace, 
that the sinful pride of my heart may be cruci- 
fied, and my spirit, after Thy own divine mind, 
may be rendered humble and self-abased, and 
that, putting myself, in lowliness of soul, at the 
foot of Thy cross, I may", through Thy great 
and wonderful humiliation, attain the joys of 
Thy everlasting kingdom, to the honor of Thy 
name. Amen. 



MANUAL OF DEVOTION. 49 



XXXVIII.— PEACE. 

If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live 
peaceably with all men. — Bomans 12 : 18. 

fiXchitation. 

" Peace on earth," was proclaimed at the birth 
of Jesus. The grace of God subdues the angry 
passions in the human heart, and awakens there 
the feeling of love and good will. Charity is not 
easily provoked. Christ's spirit blesses those 
that curse it. It indulges no malice, ill-will, or 
hatred. It strives for peace. It gives no real 
occasion for strife. It pours oil on the angry 
waves. It gives the soft answer that turneth 
away wrath. 

O Lord Jesus Christ, Thou Prince of peace, 
and author of all concord, grant me Thy Holy 
Spirit, that the body of sinful passions in my 
nature, being destroyed, and the new man, that, 
after God, is created in righteousness and true 
holiness, arising and living within me, in its stead, 
I may always follow after the things that make 
for peace, harbor no ill-will in my heart, and be 
able to pass my days in peace and quietness, to 
Thy honor and glory. Amen. 

4 



50 THE YOUNG CHRISTIAN'S 



XXXIX.— QUARRELSOMENESS. 

Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and 
clamor, and evil-speaking, be pnt away from you, 
with all malice ; and be ye kind one to another, 
tender-hearted, forgiving one another, even as 
God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. — Ephe- 
sians 4 : 31, 32. 

ittebiiation. 

A man of strong passions, unsubdued by 
grace, is a pitiable object. He is the cause of 
constant unhappiness to himself, and of anno}~- 
ance and misery to others. He is the pest of the 
community where he dwells, and a blast upon 
the comfort of his fellow-men. Let all heated 
feeling be checked in the beginning. Set a guard 
at the door of thy lips, so that no angry words 
shall be permitted to drop out of them. Engage 
in no passionate altercation, in public or private, 
with any one. Be the master of thy own temper, 
however severely thou mayst be provoked to 



anger. 



JJraner. 

O Grod, my heavenly Father, who knowest 
how strongly the angry passions rule in the de- 
praved hearts of men, and how hardly they are 
subdued, even in the breasts of Thy children, 
grant me grace, that I may bear provocation, 
and forgive any that may have a quarrel against 
me ; even as Christ forgave me, so also may I, 
that I may be at peace with the world, with my 
own heart, and with Thee, through Jesus Christ 
our Lord. Amen. 



MANUAL OF DEVOTION. 51 



XL.— PURITY. 

Blessed are the pure in heart ; for they shall 
see God.— Matt. 5 : 8. 

iflebitatiott. 

True Christianity governs the heart. It is it- 
self pure, and it makes pure. It tolerates no un- 
clean thought. It is opposed to all impure works 
of the flesh. Impurity of life springs from an 
impure heart. Keep thyself pure. Flee all youth- 
ful lusts. God sees thee. 

JJrager. 

O God of holiness and purity, in whose sight 
the heavens are not clean, grant me Thy grace, 
that no unholy thought, or impure desire may 
dwell in my breast, but that, by Thy continual 
indwelling, I may crucify the flesh with its affec- 
tions and lusts, and mortifying, through the 
Spirit, the deeds of the body, I may live in Thy 
kingdom of grace on earth, and finally obtain 
the kingdom of glory in heaven, through Jesus 
Christ our Lord. Amen. 



52 THE YOUNG CHRISTIAN'S 



XLL— LEVITY. 

QLc%t 

Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jest- 
ing, which are not convenient, but rather giving 
of thanks. — Eph. 5 : 4. 

Habitation. 

Cheerfulness of spirit is not hostile to true piety. 
A Christian may serve God with a cheerful heart. 
But giddiness and levity are different from Chris- 
tian cheerfulness. A light-minded person is a 
vain and foolish person. He neither commends 
religion, nor wins the respect of worthy people. 
Have steadiness of character. Be a cheerful 
Christian, but do not expose thyself to the im- 
putation of being a fool. 

Jprager. 

O G-od, who art clothed with awful majesty, 
and at whose presence angels veil their faces, 
grant me grace, that I may always be mindful 
of Thy presence with me, and my duty to Thee, 
so that no irreverent feeling may be permitted to 
arise in my breast, and no sinful levity, or other 
unbecoming behavior may be suffered to bring 
reproach upon Thy name, or become a snare to 
my soul, through Jesus Christ, my Lord. Amen. 



MANUAL OF DEVOTION. 53 



XLIL— CHEERFULNESS. 

A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance ; 
but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken. — 
Proy. 15:13. 

ifleMtaticm. 

Be joyful in the Lord. Of all men, the Chris- 
tian should be the happiest man. He has every- 
thing to make him happy. His relation to God 
and Christ, to angels and men, to this world and 
the next, is such as fills his soul with continual 
gladness. He may have occasions for sorrow, 
but his consolations are greater and more numer- 
ous than his griefs ; and the grace of God changes 
even his sorrows into joys. He may always have 
a cheerful heart. 

$raaer. 

O God, I thank Thee for the blessed comforts 
of Thy grace, and I pray Thee, abide in my heart 
always with Thy Holy Spirit, that no despair, or 
despondency, or any other gloomy fruits of un- 
belief may have place within me, but that my 
soul may ever be joyful in Thee, taste the rich 
consolations which Thou dost impart to all who 
are in trouble, and in the end be admitted to the 
enjoyment of those pleasures forevermore laid up 
for me at Thy right hand, through our Lord 
Jesus Christ. Amen. 



54 THE YOUNG CHRISTIAN'S 



XLIIL— AMUSEMENTS. 

And that which fell among thorns are they, 
which, when they have heard, go forth, and are 
choked with cares, and riches, and pleasures of 
this life, and bring no fruit to perfection. — Luke 
8:14. 

ilUbitation. 

Whilst the young Christian may safely partici- 
pate in such amusements as are really innocent 
and pure, yet he should be well aware, that, even 
innocent pleasures, pursued immoderately, be- 
come dangerous ; and that it is often difficult for 
the mind to distinguish between those that are 
innocent, and others that are not so. It is easy 
too to glide from those that are safe, into others 
that are unsafe. Watch thy heart. Let not 
fascinating pleasures deceive thee. Let not the 
frivolities of earth cause devotion to pall upon 
thy taste. Let not earth wean thee from God, 
and cause thee to lose heaven. 

IJrcmer. 

O God, who knowest the weakness of my nature, 
and how much Satan hath in me, I pray Thee, 
grant me Thy Holy Spirit, that He may lead me 
safely amid the perils of this mortal life, that the 
pleasures of sense may not wean my heart from 
the holy joy of communion with Thee, nor tempt 
me into the ways of sin and ungodliness, but 
that, pursuing with diligence the serious business 
which Thou hast set me to do, I may attain, at 
last, the bliss of heaven, through Jesus Christ. 
Amen. 



MANUAL OF DEVOTION. 55 



XLIV.— GAMBLING. 

QLc%L 

And when they had crucified him, they parted 
his garments, casting lots upon them, what every 
man should take. — Mark 15 : 24. 

Ittebiiation. 

The Koman soldiers gambled under the cross 
of the dying Saviour. The gamester becomes 
hardened in wickedness, and is soon lost to all 
sense of religion, morals, decency, and shame. 
Thousand s are ruined thereby every year. Games 
of chance are sinful. The desire to get money 
or property without rendering an equivalent, is 
a dishonest desire. Gambling is fraud. Let no 
temptation lead thee to take part in a game of 
chance for money. It is even a dangerous amuse- 
ment. Other recreations are equally as enjoyable, 
and much safer. Hate the sin, and tremble at 
the fate, of a gambler. 

^rager. 

O God, who art holy in all Thy works, and 
righteous in all Thy ways, grant me grace, that 
I may cherish in my heart no unjust or covetous 
desire for the property of my neighbor, nor by any 
doubtful or unrighteous act, to gain possession of 
it, but that avoiding all temptation to sin, and 
waiting continually on Thee, Thou wilt preserve 
me in integrity and uprightness to the end, 
through Jesus Christ, my Lord. Amen. 



56 THE YOUNG CHRISTIAN'S 



XLV.— DRUNKENNESS. 

Wo unto them that rise up early in the morn- 
ing, that they may follow strong drink; that 
continue until night, till wine inflame them. — 
Isaiah 5 : 11. 

fflebitalion. 



The drunkard shall not inherit the kingdom 
of heaven. A drunkard is not a Christian. He 
that cannot govern himself, but lets his appetite 
govern him, is a slave. It is a shameful sin. A 
sot is an odious character. Abhor it, and turn 
from it with loathing. Be sober. Never put into 
your mouth that which will steal away your 
brains. Be temperate in all things. 



pager. 

O G-od, grant me Thy Holy Spirit, that no sen- 
sual appetites, or desires of the flesh, may have 
the rule over me, but that, being filled with the 
Spirit, I may never be drunk with wine, nor by 
any fleshly indulgence grieve Thy grace, debase 
my own soul, and bring reproach upon Thy name, 
but that, trusting in the grace of Grod that bringeth 
salvation, and denying all ungodliness and world- 
ly lusts, I may live soberly, righteously, and 
godly in this present world, and in the end ob- 
tain the blessed hope of everlasting life, at the 
glorious appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ. 
Amen. 



MANUAL OF DEVOTION. 57 



XLVL— EXAMPLE FOR OTHERS. 

Let your light so shine before men, that they 
may see your good works, and glorify your Father 
which is in heaven. — Matt. 5 : 16. 

Jtteiritation. 

Men are largely creatures of imitation. They 
do as others do. A good example saves many. 
A bad example leads large numbers to ruin. It 
is my duty to set a good example to all around 
me. I dare say and do nothing that others may 
not safely follow. I am responsible for the effects 
of my example. Let my example always be good. 

$rager- 

O Lord Jesus Christ, who wast holy, harmless, 
undefiled, and separate from sinners, and hast 
left us an example that we should follow Thy 
steps, grant me grace, that I. may walk even as 
Thou didst walk, and so live in the view of men, 
that they, walking with me, after the same ex- 
ample of faith and obedience, may walk safely, 
and not be hindered, but helped unto the king- 
dom of heaven, to the glory of Thy holy name. 
Amen. 



58 THE YOUNG CHRISTIAN'S 



XL VII.— MY FAULTS. 

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about 
with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay 
aside every weight, and the sin which doth so 
easily beset us, and let us run with patience the 
race that is set before us. — Heb. 12 : 1. 



Meditation. 

No one is perfect. To err is human. Our best 
services are imperfect. We all have faults. There 
are besetting sins that cling to every one. But 
we must not be satisfied with them. We must 
guard against them. They should lead to godly 
sorrow for them. By the grace of God we can 
overcome them. Let my faults be few. Let 
those few become still fewer. 

Prcmer. 

O Lord Jesus Christ, who alone art holy, and 
infinite in perfection, I pray Thee, grant me Thy 
grace, that my corrupt nature may be purified, 
and no evil be suffered to dwell with me, and 
that by the constant indwelling of Thy spirit, 
my besetting sins may be subdued, and the num- 
ber and greatness of my faults may be lessened, 
so that, growing up in all things in Thee, who 
art the head of the body, I may at last be made 
meet to be a partaker of the inheritance of the 
saints in light, through Thee, who with the 
Father, and the Holy Ghost, lives t one God, for- 
ever and ever. Amen. 



MANUAL OF DEVOTION. 59 



XL VIII.— HOME. 

I have no greater joy than to hear that my 
children walk in truth. — 3 John 4. 

ittebiiaticm. 

Home is a sweet word. " The dearest spot on 
earth to me is home, sweet home." Blessed are 
they that have happy homes. Blessed are they 
that make home happy. Home can be made very 
unhappy. Sin and contentions will make any 
home unhappy. Piety and love make happy 
homes. Let all do their part to make the home 
happy. 

O God, my heavenly Father, who hast in great 
love to my soul, bestowed upon me the comforts 
of a Christian home, accept my sincere thanks, 
I pray Thee, for this Thy great mercy, and grant 
me grace, that by faith and obedience to Thee, 
and by pious duty and sincere affection toward 
those who are with me in our dear family home, 
I may be enabled to render due service to Thee, 
and to those who, by tender ties, are united to 
me, and be a helper of our mutual joys, in all the 
relations of love which we bear to each other, to 
the glory of Thy great name, through Jesus 
Christ our Lord. 



60 THE YOUNG CHRISTIAN'S 



XLIX.— PAKENTS. 

Children, obey your parents in the Lord : for 
this is right. Honor thy father and mother ; which 
is the first commandment with promise ; that it 
may be well with thee, and thou mayst live long 
on the earth. — Eph. 6 : 1-3. 

Jttebitaiion. 

God has constituted the relation of parents and 
children, and has enjoined duties upon both. 
We owe love and obedience to our parents. We 
should cherish affectionately their memory. We 
can never requite their care. They are our nearest 
and best friends. No one has toiled for us like 
our father ; no one has loved us as our mother. 
We should wantonly inflict no pang upon their 
hearts. Let us be the comfort of their lives. Let 
us be the solace of their declining years. Let us 
be their stay in old age. 

O God, who hast given me parents, and en- 
joined upon me the duty I owe to them, grant me 
grace, that I may ever be to them an affectionate 
and dutiful child, and as in duty bound, out of 
the love and fear of Thee, may honor, serve, obey, 
love, and esteem them; thus rendering filial piety 
to them, and duly reverencing Thee, my heavenly 
Father, may it be well with me, for the sake of 
Jesus Christ, Thine only Son, our Lord. Amen. 



MANUAL OP DEVOTION. 61 



L.— VISITING THE SICK. 

I was sick, and ye visited me.— Matt. 25 : 36. 
ittebitation. 

Suffering exists everywhere in the world. Many 
an unhappy invalid is here compelled to say, "I 
am sick." We owe duties to the sick. We may 
not, like Jesus, be able to heal their sicknesses, but 
we can sympathize and watch with them. We 
can nurse and provide for them. And we may 
learn lessons for ourselves from them. Let us 
always have a feeling heart, and a kind word, 
and be ready to do a friendly act for the sick and 
suffering. 

O God, who dost look with compassion upon 
the miseries of men, grant me, I pray Thee, a 
heart that feels for the woes of others, and a will 
to give aid and comfort to such as are in any wise 
afflicted, so that, by Thy blessing and grace, their 
heavy burdens may be made lighter, and the bit- 
terness of their sorrow may be removed, for Jesus 
Christ's sake. Amen. 



62 THE YOUNG CHRISTIAN'S 



LI.— BEARING THE CROSS. 

QLtXt. 

Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man 
will come after me, let him deny himself, and 
take up his cross, and follow me. — Matt. 16 : 24. 

itleMtation- 

Christ bore the cross. All Christians are cross- 
bearers. Crosses come in various forms. His 
hand lays them upon us. They may seem heavy, 
but they are not too heavy. With the cross, He 
gives strength to bear it. Cross-bearing is sancti- 
fied. By the cross we reach the erown. No cross, 
no crown. 

O Lord Jesus Christ, who didst die the shameful 
death of the cross, that we might have eternal 
life, I pray Thee, grant me grace, to deny myself, 
take up the cross daily, and follow Thee, that 
in Thy strength I may endure trials, and suffer 
whatever afflictions may be laid upon me for Thy 
sake, and at the same time, trusting alone in the 
redemption for sin made by the shedding of Thy 
blood on the cross, I may be saved at the last, 
through Thee, who with the Father, and the 
Holy Ghost, livest and reignest, one God, forever 
and ever. Amen. 



MANUAL OF DEVOTION. 63 



LIL— THE LOKD'S SUPPER. 

%t*\. 

And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake 
it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body 
which is given for you : this do in remembrance 
of me. Likewise also the cup after supper, say- 
ing," This cup is the new testament in my blood, 
which is shed for you.— Luke 22 : 19, 20. 

JtletotcUion. 

The chief sacrament of the Christian Church is 
the Lord's Supper. It embodies in itself the chief 
blessings of the Gospel. It gives us Christ. It 
presents Christ as the sacrifice for our sins. It 
offers remission of sins by the shedding of Christ's 
blood. It admits to a heavenly place in Christ 
Jesus. It feeds us with Christ's body and blood. 
At the Lord's Table we are nearer heaven than 
anywhere else on this side of it. 

ftrannr. 

O Lord Jesus Christ, who hast instituted this 
holy sacrament for the edification of Thy Church, 
and dost permit me to partake of it, grant me 
Thy grace, that I may always have a right knowl- 
edge of its holy nature, as the sacrament of Thy 
body and blood, feel due reverence on account 
of what thou dost give me therein, and at all 
times approach it with true faith, and humble 
penitence, to the comfort of my soul, and to the 
glory of Thy name. Amen. 



64 THE YOUNG CHRISTIAN'S 



LIIL— FITNESS FOR THE COMMUNION. 



I will go in the strength of the Lord God : I 
will make mention of thy righteousness, even of 
thine only.— Psalm 71 : 16. 

ilTeMtation. 

The question of fitness for the communion will 
necessarily come up in every earnest Christian's 
mind. " Wherewith shall I come before the 
Lord?" We are not worthy. We deserve no place 
there. Our unworthiness might well keep us 
away. But our acceptance does not depend on 
our worth. We come in the strength of the Lord 
God. We make mention of His righteousness 
only. His righteousness is our wedding garment. 
We put it on by faith. Let us then heartily be- 
lieve. Look away from thyself, and look only to 
Jesus. We only are worthy in Him. 

JJrager. 

O Lord Jesus Christ, who dost invite me to 
Thy holy communion, and yet knowest the frailty 
of my nature, and the unworthiness of my best 
estate, I pray Thee, grant me Thy strength, 
and clothe me in Thy righteousness, that I may 
come, not trusting in any worthiness of my 
own, but leaning on Thy arm, and arrayed in 
the robes of Thy perfect righteousness, to the 
glory of Thy grace. Amen. 



MANUAL OF DEVOTION. 65 



LIV.— THE LOWEST KOOM. 



But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in 
the lowest room. — Luke 14 : 10. 



ittebitation. 

The humblest guest is the worthiest. He that 
humbly takes the lowest room is fittest for the 
highest. He that humbles himself shall be ex- 
alted. Being unworthy in our own eyes, we are 
worthy in the eyes of our Lord. The un worthiest 
is thus the worthiest. Let me then come humble. 
I am nothing:. Christ is all to me. 



O Lord, who art high above all heavens, yet 
deignest to regard the humble soul that places 
itself in the dust, have mercy upon me, O Lord, 
pity my unworthiness to appear before Thee, 
wash me from my sins in Thy blood, and grant me, 
out of Thy great grace, a hired servant's place at 
Thy holy table, for Thy mercy's sake. Amen. 

5 



66 THE YOUNG CHRISTIAN'S 



LV.— CONFESSION OF SINS. 

®e*L 

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just 
to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all 
unrighteousness. — 1 John 1 : 9. 

JHebitation* 

Preparation for the Lord's Supper, requires 
confession of sins. We are sinners. The most 
watchful Christian has sins to confess. We have 
sinned since we last communed . God will absolve 
us. There is forgiveness with him. In His 
word of absolution we may confide. Jesus has 
power on earth to forgive sin. He gives me the 
Holy Communion as a pledge of it. He says to 
my humble, believing heart, in it, u Thy sins are 
forgiven thee ; go and sin no more." 

|)raner. 

O Grod, I come with humble penitence before 
Thee, and with sincere sorrow, confess to Thee 
my manifold sins and shortcomings, and I pray 
Thee, have mercy upon me, a miserable sinner, 
hide Thy face from my sins, and blot out all my 
iniquities, so that, being freely forgiven and 
absolved of all my offences, I may come to Thy 
Holy Table, and receive this blessed token of 
Thy grace and mercy, in Jesus Christ, my Lord. 
Amen. 



MANUAL OF DEVOTION. 67 



LVL— SELF-EXAMINATION. 

But let a man examine himself, and so let him 
eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. — 1 Cor. 
11 : 28. 

fflcbitation. 

Self-examination is directly commanded in 
order to communion. It is always useful, but is 
especially necessary before communing. It will 
enable us to discover our sins, and confess them. 
It will reveal to ourselves our own great need, 
and induce a hunger and thirst after righteous- 
ness. Let me examine myself faithfully. I would 
conceal nothing from myself. I would not be 
self-deceived. In order to forsake my sins, I must 
know them. If I would make progress in the 
divine life, I must know what remains to be im- 
proved. G-od help me. 

O Lord Jesus Christ, I would not touch Thy 
Holy Sacrament with polluted hands, nor partake 
thereof with unclean lips; I pray Thee, therefore, 
cleanse my heart from all sin, and help me, by 
earnest self-examination to truly know myself, 
so that coming to Thy holy table, I may feel my 
great need of Thy grace ; and, hungering and 
thirsting after righteousness, I may be filled with 
the fulness of Thy blessing, which Thou dost give 
to all humble souls who in faith and true devo- 
tion, receive it, to the glory of Thy holy name. 
Amen. 



68 THE YOUNG CHRISTIAN'S 



LVIL— IN REMEMBRANCE. 

QLcjct. 
This do in remembrance of me. — 1 Cor. 11 : 24. 

iltebitatiau. 

The Lord's Supper is a blessed remembrancer. 
In it we "show the Lord's death till He come." 
It is a standing memorial in the church, of the 
love and death of Jesus. It is a solemn reminder. 
It brings us very near to Calvary. Let our 
hearts be suitably affected by the tender scenes 
which it brings to mind. 

O Lord Jesus Christ, who knowest how prone 
my sad heart is to forget Thee, I thank Thee for 
this Holy Sacrament by which Thou dost bring 
to remembrance what things Thou hast suffered 
and done in order to redeem me from sin and 
death, and I pray Thee, grant me grace, that I 
may so do this in remembrance of Thee, that not 
only now, but also at all other times, I may have 
Thee before me, increase in love and devotion to 
Thee, and finally, attain to Thy glorious presence 
in Thy everlasting kingdom, through Thee, who 
with the Father and the Holy Ghost, livest one 
God, forever and ever. Amen. 



MANUAL OF DEVOTION. 69 



LVIIL— THE PREPARATION. 

Purge out, therefore, the old leaven, that ye 
may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For 
even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us : 
Therefore, let us keep the feast, not with old 
leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and 
wickedness ; but with the unleavened bread of 
sincerity and truth. — 1 Con. 5 : 7, 8. 

Mtbitalion. 

The holy nature of the Sacrament renders 
special preparation for it, always necessary. Sin 
must be purged out. Malice and wickedness must 
not be allowed a place. We must come with a 
sincere mind. We must have the true doctrine, 
and be true in all our words and ways. Cast out 
all leaven from thy heart, and be, by grace, a 
new man. 

O Lord God, who hast ordained this Holy Sac- 
rament for the use of Thy children whilst yet in 
the imperfect condition of this mortal life, grant 
me grace, that I may take with me to this holy 
communion, no unbelief, hypocrisy, malice, wick- 
edness, or any other great and shameful sins, but 
that I may be a partaker of Thy divine nature, 
have Thy life living in me, and, being in such 
blessed union with Thee, as a member of Thy 
body, Thy flesh, and Thy bones, I may have 
most precious sacramental communion with Thee 
in Thy church here below, and be admitted to 
eternal fellowship with Thee, in Thy everlasting 
kingdom of glory, through Jesus Christ. Amen. 



70 THE YOUNG CHRISTIAN'S 



LIX.— FREQUENT COMMUNING. 

For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink 
this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he 
come.— 1 Cor. 11 : 26. 

illeiritation. 

Whilst Baptism is to be received but once, the 
Lord's Supper must be partaken of often. It is, 
therefore, frequently administered during the 
year. It should be received, by all the members 
of a congregation, at every communion. No 
member should stay back. Do not let a single 
communion season pass without partaking. Be 
regular in your approaches. Your soul needs 
the spiritual benefit of every communion. 

JJraner. 

O Lord, who hast required that Thy disciples 
should often eat of this bread, and drink of this 
cup, grant me grace, that I may never lose my 
hunger and thirst for the divine nourishment 
which Thou dost thereby impart to my soul, but 
that I may find ever increasing comfort in this 
blessed sacrament, and therefore never remain 
away from any communion, but regularly ap- 
proach with my fellow-members, to my own soul's 
spiritual profiting, and to the honor of Thy holy 
name, who hast loved me, and given Thyself for 
me, Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen. 



MANUAL OF DEVOTION. 71 



LX.— AFTER HAVING COMMUNED. 

QLtjcL 

And they took knowledge of them, that they 
had been with Jesus. — Acts 4 : 13. 

JttcMtation. 

I have been with Jesus at His holy table. I 
have been His guest at this feast of love. I have 
been fed and feasted by the Lord. It was good 
for me to be there. It was a solemn and tender 
scene. The atmosphere that surrounds the 
Lord's table is heavenly. I have breathed it to- 
day. I would cany with me into every-day life 
some of its sanctifying and comforting influences. 
I would always feel as near my Lord, as I felt 
there. May my communion to-day aid me in 
beins; a better Christian. 

fJrager. 

O Lord, who didst graciously allow me to be Thy 
guest, at Thy own holy supper, to-day, I thank 
Thee for this great favor, bestowed upon me 
Thine unworthy servant, and I pray Thee, ever- 
more abide with me, and strengthen me with 
strength in my soul, that my faith may not fail, 
nor my love wax cold, but that I may remain 
Thy faithful disciple to the end, when Thou wilt 
call me from the communion at Thy table in Thy 
church on earth, to Thy eternal communion and 
fellowship in Thy kingdom of glory, through 
Thee, Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen. 



72 THE YOUNG CHRISTIAN'S 



LXL— LOVE FOR JESUS. 

We love him, because he first loved us. — 1 
John 4 : 19. 

JitebitiUiott- 

Jesus loved us, and gave Himself for us. His 
love for us awakens our love for Him. We have 
great reason to love Him. If we love Him not, 
we are none of His. Hard must be the heart 
that does not love Him. " Simon, son of Jonas, 
lovest thou me? Yea, Lord, thou knowest all 
things, thou knowest that I love thee." Can 
we answer our Lord's question as Peter an- 
swered it ? 

|)raner. 

O Lord Jesus Christ, who hast loved me, so as 
to die for me, in order to redeem and save me, I 
pray Thee, grant me Thy Holy Spirit, that Thy 
great love to me, may draw my heart to Thee, 
in everduring love, and that, although I have 
sad cause to lament that I love Thee so little, 
whilst Thou hast loved me so much, I may not 
lose my love to Thee, but love Thee more and 
more, until I shall perfectly love Thee, with all 
Thy saints in Thy everlasting kingdom. Amen. 



MANUAL OF DEVOTION. 73 



LXIL— SPIRIT OF CHRIST. 



Let this mind be in you, which was also in 
Christ Jesus.— Phil. 2:5. 



Mzbitalion. 

Jesus is the Christian's model. The spirit of 
Christ is intended to be the spirit of all Chris- 
tians. He lives in them. He is the spiritual 
life of their souls. His life is their life. They 
are likeminded with him. Between their spirit 
and His, there is a constantly growing resem- 
blance. They are becoming more like Him. 

JJrager. 

O Lord Jesus Christ, who wast without sin, 
neither was guile in Thy mouth, grant me Thy 
Holy Spirit, that my mind may be renewed after 
Thy own holy and perfect image, that I may be 
likeminded with Thee, and having Thy divine 
life within me, I may not wilfully commit sin, 
nor indulge evil passions in my heart, but, by 
Thy constant indwelling, may crucify more and 
more, the flesh with its affections and lusts, and 
become, finally, fitted for the holiness and bliss 
of Thy everlasting kingdom of glory, through 
Thee, who with the Father and the Holy Ghost, 
one God, livest and reignest forever and ever. 
Amen. 



74 THE YOUNG CHRISTIAN'S 



LXIIL— FAITH IN CHRIST. 

And they said, believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, 
and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. — Acts 
16 : 31. 

iflebiiation. 

We are justified by faith. Not by works of 
righteousness which we have done, but accord- 
ing to His mercy, hath He saved us. We are 
sinners saved by grace. We hope for salvation 
by the mercy of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. 
Our trembling hopes cling to Jesus. Our safest 
place is at the foot of Christ's cross. Grace puts 
us there, and keeps us there. 

Prcmer. 

O Lord Jesus Christ, who out of wonderful 
love for my soul, didst bear my sins in Thy own 
body on the cross, grant me grace, that I may 
trust alone in Thy atoning sacrifice, for the for- 
giveness of my sins, and eternal life, and, looking 
by faith to Thee, as Thou didst die, the just for 
the unjust, I may have peace in my heart, and 
the hope of everlasting joy and felicity in heaven, 
through Thee, my Lord and Saviour. Amen. 



MANUAL OF DEVOTION. 75 



LXIV.— TRUST IN GOD. 

Trust in the Lord, and do good ; so shalt thou 
dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. — 
Psalm 37 : 3. 

Habitation- 

God is our heavenly Father. Christians are 
His children. He will provide. We may trust in 
Him. He has never forsaken them that trusted 
in Him. The present and the future, we may 
confide in His hands. All our interests for time 
and eternity are secure with Him. Let us walk 
through life, confiding with childlike simplicity 
in our heavenly Father's care. 

O God our heavenly Father, who dost con- 
tinually care for those that trust in Thee, grant 
me grace, that no doubts or fears may be per- 
mitted to disturb my soul's peace, but that, 
heartily believing the promises of Thy word, 
and putting myself under Thy fatherly care, I 
may have full confidence and hope amid all the 
trials and disappointments of life, and pass safely 
through this mortal state to Thy glorious presence 
in heaven, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 



76 THE YOUNG CHRISTIAN'S 



LXV.— GLORYING IN THE CROSS. 

But God forbid that I should glory, save in the 
cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the 
world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. 
—Gal. 6 : 14 

ittebitatiott. 

The cross was u to the Jews a stumbling-block, 
and to the Greeks foolishness. " The offence of 
the cross has not yet ceased. Men still hate the 
cross. It is too humbling for the sinful pride of 
the human heart. Men would climb up to heaven 
some other way. Let me ever glory in the cross. 
It is my only hope. "To Thy cross I cling." 
It bears me safely up. May I never be ashamed 
of it. 

$)raner. 

O Lord Jesus Christ, who was crucified by 
human hands, but didst bear the sins of the 
world in Thy body on the tree, I pray Thee, grant 
me grace, that I may not, in the foolish pride of 
my heart, be offended because of the shameful 
manner of the death by which Thou didst suffer 
in my stead, but, looking up, by faith, to Thy 
cross, and to Thee, the Lamb of God who tookest 
away my sins, by becoming a sin-offering for me, 
may I have peace with God, and the remission 
of all my sins, through Thee, my Lord and 
Saviour. Amen. 



MANUAL OF DEVOTION. 77 



LXVL— NOT ASHAMED OF THE 
GOSPEL. 

For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ ; 
for it is the power of God unto salvation to every- 
one that believeth. — Rom. 1 : 16. 

ifleMtaticm. 

The Gospel is the glory of the world. By it 
alone is salvation for men. Its doctrines are the 
only religious truth on the earth. It is light in 
a dark place. By it mankind are brought to 
the only true knowledge of God and themselves. 
It reveals the only way by which we can be saved. 
It enlightens, and sanctifies, and elevates, and 
saves men. It alone gives peace, and the remis- 
sion of sins. It alone brings life and immortality 
to light. Let me cherish it well. 

Jprager. 

O God, who, out of Thy great love for the world, 
hast made known the Gospel of Thy Son, as the 
way of salvation for men, I thank Thee for this 
unspeakable gift, and I pray Thee, grant me 
grace, that I may never, in the pride and folly 
of my heart, cast behind me this treasure of wis- 
dom, and knowledge, and salvation, but esteem- 
ing beyond all price, this Thy heavenly gift, I 
may glory in the Gospel, hold fast its faith, cherish 
its hope, and love its ways, so that, being my 
guide even unto death, it may safely bring my 
soul to Thy eternal rest, through Jesus Christ, 
my Lord. Amen. 



78 THE YOUNG CHRISTIAN'S 



LXVIL— HOLINESS. 

But as he that hath called you is holy, so be 
ye holy in all manner of conversation ; because 
it is written, Be ye holy, for I am holy. — 1 Peter 
1 : 15, 16. 

JHebiiatiou. 

The Gospel not only provides for the forgive- 
ness of our sins, but also for the sanctification 
of our nature. The faith that lays hold on 
Christ's righteousness for our justification, is also 
the root and spring of all holy desires and pure 
affections within us. Grace changes the heart. 
It renews the old, fallen nature. The same grace 
that justifies, also sanctifies. The blood that 
atones and pardons, also cleanses us from all sin. 
It changes our state, and it also changes our 
hearts. ' It makes us holy, as well as happy. 

|3raner. 

O God, who alone art holy, grant me grace, 
that my depraved nature, with which I was born 
into the world, may be renewed, that Thy Holy 
Spirit, having begun a good work in me, may 
carry it on until it is completed in the entire 
sanctification of my body, soul, and spirit, and 
that thereby I may be holy as Thou art holy, and 
become fitted to abide in Thy sacred presence in 
Thy kingdom of holiness and purity forever, 
through Jesus Christ our Lord. 



MANUAL OF DEVOTION. 79 



LXVHL— PRESSING FORWARD. 

Brethren, I count not myself to have appre- 
hended ; but this one thing I do, forgetting those 
things which are behind, and reaching forth unto 
those things which are before, I press toward the 
mark for the prize of the high calling of God in 
Christ Jesus.— Phil. 3 : 13, 14. 

inebriation. 

Practical Christian life is progressive. Re- 
generation begins, sanctification continues, the 
work in the soul. We are first babes in Christ, 
before we become men or women in the Lord. 
The path of the just is as the sun, that shineth 
more and more into the perfect day. Like the 
plant, first the blade, then the ear, and then the 
full corn in the ear, so with grace. We can and 
must grow. We can and must become better. 
Every day's living, must witness a day's improve- 
ment. We must, like Paul, press toward the 
mark. 

|)raner. 

O Lord Jesus Christ, who hast by Thy Holy 
Spirit, awakened my heart to the knowledge and 
duty of a Christian life, grant me grace, that I 
may never draw back, nor return to the ways of 
sin again, but that, having entered upon the 
way of Thy commandments, I may ever press for- 
ward in all holy living and earnest pious duty, so 
that I may in the end, be made fully meet for the 
glory and the bliss of Thy everlasting kingdom, 
through Thee, my Lord and Saviour. Amen. 



80 THE YOUNG CHRISTIAN'S 



LXIX.— PAYING MY VOWS. 

They shall vow a vow unto the Lord, and per- 
form it.— Isaiah 19 : 21. 

Jttetotaiiou. 

A vow is a solemn promise made unto God, of 
love and obedience to Him. It is covenanting 
with God. In it we promise to believe in Christ, 
to renounce sin, to lead a godly life, and to be a 
faithful Christian until death/ We made this 
promise in our Baptism, at our Confirmation, 
and when receiving the Holy Communion. Holy 
vows are upon us. We have made very solemn 
piomises. We have made them before God and 
man. Heaven and earth were witnesses to them. 
We must perform our vows. We dare not break 
them. We made them in God's strength, and in 
His strength we will fulfil them. 

O God, who heardest the solemn profession of 
my faith, and the vows of pious duty which I 
made before Thee, I pray Thee, grant me Thy 
grace, that I may not break my holy covenant, 
nor refuse to pay my vows, but that, obtaining 
wisdom and strength from Thee, I may faithfully 
perform the vow and covenant which I made at 
Thy holy altar, so that being Thine in the bonds 
of an everlasting covenant, and in the holy fellow- 
ship of Thy church, I may never fail from Thy 
hand, but inherit the blessings of eternal life and 
salvation which Thou hast promised to me in 
Jesus Christ, my Lord and Saviour. Amen. 



MANUAL OF DEVOTION. 81 



LXX.— TIME. 

So teach us to number our days, that we may 
apply our hearts unto wisdom. — Psalm 90 : 12. 

iHebitation. 

Our time is rapidly passing away. The space 
from the cradle to the grave is but a short step. 
Every day we live subtracts one from the whole 
number of our days. c ' Every pulse-beating leaves 
but the number less." Every step in life, is a 
step in the direction of the graveyard. We live 
but once. Our moments passed, cannot be re- 
called. If we have spent them ill, we cannot 
bring them back so as to live them over again. 
Live well while you live. Make the most of each 
passing hour. " A moment we may wish when 
worlds want wealth to buy." 

$rager. 

O God, who art the author of time, and the 
Lord of all being, I thank Thee that Thou hast 
created me, and endowed me with a living soul, 
and I pray Thee, grant me grace, that I may not 
misimprove any of the precious hours of my life, 
but, duly estimating the value of time, may I 
employ all my years to the glory of Thy holy 
name, who hast lent them to me, and to this end, 
may I have the true faith of Thy word, worship 
Thee with true Christian devotion, serve Thee 
faithfully all the days of my life, and at last de- 
part from this world in peace, and enter into 
Thy everlasting rest, through Jesus Christ my 
Lord . Amen. 

6 



82 THE YOUNG CHRISTIAN'S 



LXXL— NEARNESS TO DEATH. 



My life draweth nigh unto the grave. — Psalm 
88:3. 

SXlebitation. 

Life is suspended by a brittle thread. We know 
not what a day may bring forth. Each day may 
be the last. The eternal world may, at any 
moment, burst upon our vision. The world is 
full of graves — the graves of the young, as of the 
old. The grace of God alone can make happy 
death-beds. If I should soon be called to die, am 
I ready ? 

JJrager. 

O G-od, who art the Lord of the living and the 
dead, and from whom nothing is hid, grant me 
grace, that I may not be overtaken unawares by 
death, but that, having my loins girt about, and 
my lamp burning, I may be ready when Thou 
shalt call me to Thy eternal kingdom of glory, 
through Jesus Christ, my Lord. Amen. 



MANUAL OF DEVOTION. 83 



LXXIL— WAKNINGS. 

tte*t. 

Thus saith the Lord, Set thy house in order : 
for thou shalt die, and not live. — Isaiah 38 : 1. 

iHebitatiott. 

We have all suitable directions as to prepara- 
tion for death. A life of Christian faith and duty- 
is the best and only preparation. He that would 
die the death of the righteous, must live his life. 
He that would reach a happy end, must pursue 
the way that leads to it. We have plain direc- 
tions. We also have sufficient warning. Let us 
not fail to heed them. 

$raner. 

O God, who hast given me line on line and 
precept on precept, I pray Thee grant me Thy 
Holy Spirit, that I may not misunderstand the 
warnings Thou dost give me, nor disregard Thy 
solemn calls, but laying them well to heart, I 
may be led to true repentance for sin, and faith 
in my Lord Jesus Christ, so that, at Thy sum- 
mons, I may be ready to pass through death, to 
the mansions of everlasting life and glory, 
through my Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen. 



84 THE YOUNG CHRISTIAN'S 



LXXIIL— FUTURE LIFE. 

QicjcL 

Who died for us, that whether we wake or 
sleep, we should live together with him. — 1 
Thess. 5 : 10. 

iHetotation. 

In Christ we have eternal life. He reveals the 
true nature of both life and death. In dying He 
destroyed death. He has taken from it its terrors. 
In Christ, the Christian lives and dies. Christ 
■is his life. He is with his Lord living, and he is 
with Him dying. Death is the voice that Jesus 
sends to call him to His arms. Because Christ 
lives, he will live also. He has no fear of death. 
Death is not his enemy but his friend. 

|3rager. 

O Lord Jesus Christ, who art the way, the 
truth, and the life, and who hast overcome death, 
and destroyed the power of the grave, I thank 
Thee that, by Thy death and resurrection, Thou 
hast taken away death's sting, and wrested from 
the grave its victory, and I pray Thee, grant me 
grace, that I may have Thy life in me, so that 
the life I now live in the flesh, I may live by the 
faith of Thee, and in the end, when Thou, who 
art our life, shalt appear, I also may appear with 
Thee in glory, through Thee, who with the 
Father and the Holy Ghost livest and reignest 
one God forever and ever. Amen. 



MANUAL OF DEVOTION. 85 



LXXIV.— THE RESURRECTION. 

Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection and 
the life ; he that believeth in me, though he were 
dead, yet shall he live : and whosoever liveth and 
believeth in me shall never die. — John 11 : 25, 26. 

Jttetotatiou. 

There is a life beyond the grave. The dead 
shall live. Death is not annihilation. Christ 
died and rose again, and with Him, all that sleep 
in Him shall also rise. They live in Christ, they 
die in Christ, and they will rise in Christ. As 
Christ, who is their life, will not die, so they, in 
Him, will live forever. Whoso eateth Christ's 
flesh and drinketh His blood, hath eternal life, 
and He will raise him up at the last day. Because 
Christ lives in them, they will live in Him for- 
ever. 

Prefer. 

O Lord Jesus Christ, who art the resurrection 
and the life, I thank Thee for Thy glorious resur- 
rection from the dead, and that by dying and 
rising again, Thou hast assured me of my own 
resurrection from the grave, and I pray Thee 
grant me Thy grace, that my life may be hid 
with Thee in God, so that although I die, I yet 
shall live, and at Thy coming, this mortal shall 
put on immortality, and be raised in Thy likeness, 
and after Thy own glorious body, and with Thee 
live and reign forever and ever. Amen. 



86 THE YOUNG CHRISTIAN'S 



LXXV.— THE JUDGMENT. 

For we must all appear before the judgment 
seat of Christ ; that every one may receive the 
things done in his body, according to that he 
hath done, whether it be good or bad. — 2 Cor. 
5 : 10. 

Meditation. 

We are hastening to the judgment. We must 
answer for the deeds done in the body. For all 
the secret sins of earth, must men be judged. 
For every idle word must they give account. 
God will bring thee into judgment. Have the 
judge thy Saviour. Be sober and watch unto 
prayer. Abide in Christ, that when He shall 
appear, thou mayst have confidence, and not be 
ashamed at His coming. 

$raner. 

O Lord Jesus Christ, who wilt judge the world 
with righteousness, and the people with Thy 
truth, in that great day, grant me grace, that I 
may stand before Thee, not in my own righteous- 
ness, which is as filthy rags, but clothed in Thy 
perfect righteousness, who as our surety didst 
fulfil all righteousness for us who believe in Thee, 
so that, being in Thee, there will be no condemna- 
tion, but justification and salvation from wrath, 
through the redemption there is in Thee, Jesus 
Christ our Lord. Amen. 



MANUAL OF DEVOTION. 87 



LXXVL— THE BLESSEDNESS OF THE 
DEAD. 

And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto 
me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the 
Lord from henceforth ; yea, saith the spirit, that 
they may rest from their labors ; and their works 
do follow them.— Bev. 14 : 13. 

fUeMtation. 

The dead who die in the Lord are blessed. 
They are with the Lord. Absent from the body, 
and present with the Lord, which is far better. 
They lived in the Lord, they died in the Lord, 
and therefore they are blessed. They have en- 
tered into rest. God has wiped away all tears 
from their eyes. May I too live in the Lord, die 
in the Lord, and be blessed with the Lord in His 
kingdom of glory. 

$)rager. 

O God, who hast, according to Thy abundant 
mercy, begotten us again unto a lively hope by 
the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 
to an inheritance incorruptible, undefiled, and 
that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for us, 
I pray Thee, grant me grace, that that good 
work which Thou hast begun in me may be per- 
formed until the day of Jesus Christ, so that 
when Thou dost call Thy elect from the earth, 
Thou wilt admit me, with all Thy saints into the 
everlasting joy and felicity which Thou hast pre- 
pared for us, in Thy kingdom of glory, through 
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 



88 THE YOUNG CHRISTIAN'S 



LXXVIL— EVENING. 

I must work the works of him that sent me, 
while it is day ; the night cometh, when no man 
can work. — John 9 : 4. 

Jttcbiiation. 

Another day is ended. Time flies. How short 
my time is! This day was soon passed. The 
evening is now here. So rapidly does one day 
succeed another. Soon all will be gone. Then 
cometh the night. The day is for work. We 
sleep in the night. My life is my day. It is a 
short day. The night of the grave will soon in- 
close me. What am I doing ? Plow have I lived 
this day ? What have I done for the glory of 
G-od ? How am I spending the whole of my life ? 
How will I review it from my dying bed ? 

O God, who hast graciously granted me another 
day of human life, I thank Thee for Thy good- 
ness, and I pray Thee, grant me grace, that I 
may be duly reminded at the close of this day, 
of the shortness of my life, and the duty of great- 
diligence in the work which Thou hast given me 
to do, so that, being active in business, fervent 
in spirit, serving the Lord, I may attain the end 
of my high calling, being made fruitful in every 
good work to do Thy will, working in me, by 
Thy grace, that which is well pleasing in Thy 
sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory 
forever and ever. Amen. 



MANUAL OF DEVOTION. 89 



LXXVIIL— EVENING. 
Sept. 

Behold I am vile ; what shall I answer thee ? 
I will lay my hand upon my mouth. — Job 40 : 4. 

illebitation. 

The review of past life is useful. We should 
review each day at its close. It is well c ' to talk 
with our past hours and ask them what report 
they bore to heaven, and how they might have 
borne more welcome news." It is sad when the 
review of the whole of life is attended with bitter 
regrets. It is then too late to remedy our mistakes. 
But the review of to-day may enable us to act 
more wisely to-morrow. Let me lament to-day's 
errors and shortcomings, sincerely confess my 
sins, and enter to-morrow upon a new and better 
way of thinking and living. 

Prager. 

O my Grod, who knowest my foolishness, and 
my sins are not hid from Thee, I am ashamed, 
and blush to lift up my face to Thee, my God, 
for my iniquities are increased over my head, and 
I have sinned, and have done wickedly, but with 
hearty sorrow and repentance I confess my sins 
unto Thee, and implore Thy mercy, begging 
Thee not to remember my sins against me, but 
graciously grant me forgiveness of all my trans- 
gressions, so that I may close the day at peace 
with Thee, whom I have offended, for the sake 
alone of Thy great mercy and grace in Jesus 
Christ, my Lord. Amen. 



90 THE YOUNG CHRISTIAN'S 



LXXIX.— EVENING. 

Sfft. 

Let my prayer be set forth before thee as in- 
cense ; and the lifting up of my hands as the 
evening sacrifice. — Psalm 141 : 2. 

ittebitatiott. 

It is fitting that the day should be closed with 
prayer. We have much to pray for at the end 
of each day. We have sins to confess, mercies 
to acknowledge, and thanks to render. We began 
the day with God, walked with God during the 
day, and we will now close it with God. We 
offered our morning, and we will now offer our 
evening, sacrifice. A day thus begun, and lived, 
and ended, should be a specimen of all our days 
begun, and lived, and ended. 

JJrager- 

O God, who nearest my prayer in the morning, 
and in the evening wilt not despise my request, 
I thank Thee for the manifold blessings which I 
received from Thy hand during the past day, 
whilst I have been unworthy of the least of all 
the mercies, and of all the truth which Thou hast 
showed unto Thy servant, and I pray Thee, 
graciously continue unto me Thy favor, and with- 
hold not from me the light of Thy countenance, 
even though I am not worthy of them, and in 
particular, grant me an evening blessing as I now 
appear before Thee, not for the sake of any 
worthiness in me, but for the sake alone of the 
merit and grace of my dear Lord and Saviour, 
Jesus Christ. Amen. 



MANUAL OF DEVOTION. 91 



LXXX.— EVENING. 

ttftt. 

But they constrained him, saying, Abide with 
us ; for it is toward evening, and the day is far 
spent. And he went in to tarry with them. — 
Luke 24 : 29. 

JfleMtcttiou. 

The Christian has Jesus with him, by day and 
by night, at home and abroad. u My presence 
shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest." 
He walks with us and we with Him. He is at 
our side, and in our hearts. He talks with us, 
and we with Him. He accompanies us all the 
day, and He abides with us at night. We wel- 
come His company, and we rejoice in His abiding. 
Let us always cultivate a nearness to the Saviour. 
Let us gladly receive Him into our hearts, and 
into our homes. Blessed are the hearts and the 
homes where He abides. 



O Lord Jesus Christ, who didst enter into the 
houses of the poor, and didst bless all who dwelt 
in them, I pray Thee, graciously abide with me, 
in my heart, and in my home, shed abroad here 
Thy love and favor, so that peace and joy may 
always remain with me, and I. walking in holy 
fellowship, and devout communion with Thee all 
the days of my life, may, in the end, rest in peace 
with Thee, in the home of the blessed in heaven, 
through Thee, Jesus Christ, my Lord. Amen. 



92 THE YOUNG CHRISTIAN'S 



LXXXL— EVENING. 

And it shall come to pass in that day, that the 
light shall not be clear, nor dark ; but it shall be 
one day which shall be known to the Lord, not 
day nor night ; but it shall come to pass, that at 
evening time it shall be light. — Zech. 14 : 6, 7. 

Jttebitation. 

Grace gives to the weary day-toiler, a peaceful 
evening. It is then lighter than at any time 
during the day. The day was stormy, but be- 
fore night the clouds passed away, the storm 
ceased, the sun shone out larger at its setting 
than at midday, and the heavens were lighted 
up with the golden tints of departing day. At 
evening it was light. The Christian dies in the 
Lord, and peacefully passes to His rest. The 
battle of life is done, the struggle with sorrow is 
over, and after life's fitful fever he sleeps well. 

JjJrajjer. 

O God, I thank Thee for my creation, preserva- 
tion, and all the blessings of this life, and I pray 
Thee, grant me Thy grace, that through the re- 
demption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ, 
and the means of grace which He hath ordained, 
I may have peace with Thee, and the forgiveness 
of all my sins, and being guided by Thy counsel, 
all my ways may be ordered according to Thy 
will, so that whilst I live I may live unto the 
Lord, and when I die I may die unto the Lord, 
and that whether living or dying I may be the 
Lord's, now and forever. Amen. 



MANUAL OF DEVOTION. 93 



LXXXIL— EVENING. 

I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep ; 
for thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety. 
—Psalm 4:8. 

fficbitation. 

The day is ended. The work of the day is 
done. The silent shades of the night are around 
me, and I will he down to rest. God's care was 
over me during the day, and He will keep me 
from the perils of the night. I will put myself 
into His hands. I am at peace with God and 
man. I will therefore sleep in quietness. I know 
not what a night may bring forth. The sleep of 
my bed may be changed to the sleep of death. 
But for life or for death, I trust myself wholly in 
His hands. I am safe with Him, living or dying. 
All is well. 

Prober. 

O God, who makest the outgoings of the morn- 
ing and evening to rejoice, I thank Thee for the 
preservation of my life during this day, and I 
pray Thee, grant me Thy gracious protection 
during the night, that I may sleep in peace and 
quietness, and that no disturbance may come 
nigh my dwelling, but that refreshed and strength- 
ened by the slumbers of the night, I may rise in 
the morning and enter upon the new duties of 
the new day in the name of my dear Lord and 
Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen. 



94 THE YOUNG CHRISTIAN'S 



LXXXIIL— EVENING. 

Stand in awe, and sin not ; commune with your 
own heart upon your bed, and be still. — Psalm 
4:4. 

Jfletoiation. 

God is with me. He is present in the night, 
as in the day. The day and the night are alike 
to Him. I will think of God. I fear Him. How 
awful God is ! I love the Lord. He is my Father. 
God help me to be pure in Thy sight. Let Jesus' 
blood cleanse me from all sin. How have I lived 
this day ? How have I passed my whole life up 
to this night ? Have I peace with God ? Am I 
ready for my final account ? Lord have mercy 
upon me. Christ have mercy upon me. Lord 
have mercy upon me. 

JJraner. 

O God, I pray Thee, search me, and know my 
heart, try me, and know my thoughts, and see if 
there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in 
the way everlasting, wash me thoroughly from 
all my sins by the blood which was shed for me 
on the cross, and let Thy Holy Spirit abide with 
me, that the peace of God may dwell in my soul 
and all my fears may be stilled, and by His gra- 
cious help, whether in joy or in sorrow, whether 
by life or by death, Christ may be magnified in 
my body, and I may be saved, at the last day, for 
His sake, who lay down in the grave, and rose 
again for me, Jesus Christ, my Lord. Amen. 



MANUAL OF DEVOTION. 95 



LXXXIV— LUTHER'S EVENING 
PRAYER. 

In the eveni?ig, when preparing to lie down, say: 

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and 
of the Holy Ghost. Amen. 

Then say : 

®l)e QTreefc. 

I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker 
of heaven and earth. 

And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord ; 
Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost ; Born of 
the Virgin Mary ; Suffered under Pontius Pilate ; 
Was crucified, dead, and buried; He descended 
into hell ; The third day He rose again from the 
dead ; He ascended into heaven, and sitteth on 
the right hand of God the Father Almighty; 
From thence He shall come to judge the quick 
and the dead. 

. I believe in the Holy Ghost ; The Holy Chris- 
tian Church ; The communion of saints ; The for- 
giveness of sins ; The resurrection of the body ; 
And the life everlasting. Amen. 






96 THE YOUNG CHRISTIAN'S 

Then say : 

Our Father who art in heaven ; Hallowed be 
Thy name ; Thy kingdom come ; Thy will be 
done on -earth, as it is in heaven ; Give us this 
day our daily bread ; And forgive us our tres- 
passes as we forgive those who trespass against 
us ; And lead us not into temptation ; But de- 
liver us from evil ; For Thine is the kingdom, 
and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. 
Amen. 

Then say this : 

|Dragn% 

I give thanks unto Thee, my Heavenly Father, 
through Jesus Christ Thy dear Son, that Thou 
hast this day so graciously protected me, and I 
beseech Thee to forgive me all my sins, and the 
wrong which I have done, and by Thy great 
mercy defend me from all the perils and dangers 
of this night. Into Thy hands I commend my 
body and soul, and all that is mine. Let Thy 
holy angel have charge concerning me, that the 
wicked one may have no power over me. Amen. 



MANUAL OF DEVOTION. 97 



LXXXV.— EVENING SENTENCE. 

O Lord, abide with us, 

For it is toward evening, and the day is 
far spent. 

Abide with tjs, 

And with Thy church universal. 

Abide with us, 

In the evening of the day, 

In the evening of life, 

In the evening of the world. 

Abide with us, 

With Thy grace and mercy, 
With Thy word and sacraments, 
With Thy comfort and blessing. 

Abide with us at the coming 

Of the night of anguish and trouble, 
Of the night of doubt and temptation, 
Of the night of the agony of death. 

Abide with us, and with all that believe 
in Thee, 

In life and in death, 
In time and in eternity, 
In earth and in heaven. 

Amen. 



98 THE YOUNG CHRISTIAN'S 



LXXXVL— PRAYER FOR PEACE. 

O Lord ! may 

" Peace be to this house," 
Peace be with me and mine, 
Peace be with all in this parish, 
Peace be with our whole country, 
Peace be with the church and all believers, 
Peace be with all sick and dying persons, 
Peace be with all who mourn and are in trouble, 
Peace be with all who suffer persecution, 
Peace be with all who are in war and conflict, 
Peace be with us all, now, henceforth, and for- 
ever. Amen. 



MANUAL OF DEVOTION. 99 



LXXXVII .— INTERCESSION FOR THE 
DYING. 

O Lord, defend this Thy servant "d 
From the anguish of remorse, 
From despair of Thy mercy, 
From anxious thoughts about earthly affairs, 
From the pain of separation, 
From unbelief and doubt, 
From the fear of death and judgment, 
From the power of Satan. 

O Lord Jesus Christ, who didst Thyself taste 
the bitter agony of death, grant Thy grace to this 
Thy dying servant, that he may have peace in 
the hour of death, and after death, obtain ever- 
lasting salvation, because Thou hast redeemed 
him, by the shedding of Thy blood on the cross. 
Amen. 















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